AS medicine advances, many cosmetic and non-invasive procedures can be performed on patients which result in optimum results and minimal downtime.

The majority of these procedures are applied to the face. Examples of these procedures include micro-needling, Botox, platelet rich plasma (PRP), high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and laser energy, just to name a few. These “quick fixes” are long lasting, safe and results in that more “youthful look” desired. Hence, more patients are flocking their doctors’ offices to get these procedures done.

Many of these procedures are not only limited to the face but can be expanded to other parts of the body including the female genitalia. In recent times, the term “vaginal rejuvenation” has become topical amongst social media and reality TV, thus sparking an interest amongst females. When one hears the term “vaginal rejuvenation”, immediately one thinks of surgically decreasing the diameter of the vaginal canal, to increase sexual gratification. However, “vaginal rejuvenation” now encompasses non-surgical procedures to increase the function and looks of the female genitalia and their surrounding structures.

As women age, the pelvic floor muscles may relax and hormone and collagen levels decrease. This can result in a loss of sensitivity, loss of lubrication, loss of sexual gratification, painful intercourse, stress urinary incontinence (leakage of urine when you laugh, sneeze or exercise), genital prolapse (bladder, rectum or uterus coming out of vagina) and also a sagging external genitalia (vulva) may be present. Non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation aims to correct all of the above effectively thus improving a woman’s quality of life.

The most popular forms of non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation includes vaginal energy and PRP (O-Shot) which are often combined to give optimal results. When one hears the term “energy”, it’s hard not to envision a painful and unbearable procedure, however, this is the furthest from the truth and is the complete opposite.

They are three forms of energy which can be applied to the vagina — HIFU, laser energy and radiofrequency energy.

All forms of energy are supplied to the vagina via a probe (similar to a probe which is inserted into the vagina for an ultrasound) which releases energy throughout the entire length of the vaginal canal. All forms of energy last around 20 minutes, with no downtime and patients tolerate them well and can resume intercourse on the same day. The vaginal tissues are heated to about 40 degrees, and collagen within the vagina is restructured. Additionally, new blood vessels are created. The combined effect can increase sensitivity, improve sexual gratification, decrease painful intercourse and cure stress urinary incontinence and can last up to 18 months.

Of all the energy types, the radiofrequency energy seems to be the most superior as not only is the probe smaller and more tolerable, but can also heat the external vulva and make the appearance more “youthful” looking. Also, this form of energy can be used to treat mild genital prolapse. In addition, some patients may suffer from faecal incontinence (involuntary loss of faeces). The radiofrequency probe is small enough to be placed into the anus to tighten the surrounding tissues, and decrease the incidence of this occurring.

The ideal dosage of all energy is one dose per month for three months, with a top up at six months. The effects are more pronounced when combined with the O-Shot.

Overall, patient satisfaction is high. Ask your OBGYN about your non surgical options for “vaginal rejuvenation”.

Dr Daryl Daley is a cosmetic gynaecologist and obstetrician. His office is located at 3D Gynaecology Ltd. at 23 Tangerine Place, Kingston 10 and the office number is 876-929-5038/9. He can be contacted at ddaley@3dgynae.com